Happy Groundhog Day!

Yesterday, thanks to the Hope Mission weblog, I remembered it was Administrative Professional's Day. Mel got in while I was noticing, and she said, "Hey, how come they don't have a Program Director's Day?"

I announced at our daily-five-minute-stand-up-meeting, (thank you Chasz Parker) that Ken and I would take Vicki for lunch. Vicki Hack is our Executive Assistant.

With all the tact every CEO should have, Ken looked at Vicki, and said, "Hm. That's kinda like Groundhog Day." Ouch! Has Vicki been compared to a rodent? Consequently, to punish him, we went for lunch withOUT him. It was very fun and delicious. Ha. We even got free cheesecake for dessert!

As we continue to discuss this, Larry also has two cents: "How come they don't have Resident Manager Day?"

He continues to muse about his past jobs... "They never had Window Washer Day. They never had Lighting Technician Day. Or Gas Jockey Day."

Ken looked at him and said, "They do, Larry. It's called Labour Day. And you get the whole day off!"

Anyway, Vicki, I appreciate you! I'll even give you Monday off! And I think if you saw your shadow while riding your horse last night Ken better watch out!

I'm Famous!

The men were congratulating me this morning and I was a little confused! Check out the Leader Post today. Myrna nominated me for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award. It's in the category of "Community Leadership and Enhancement." I hope I win just for Myrna's sake! The application is some 15 pages! Check me out. I'm in the Comics Section (F5) which, in and of itself, cracks me up.

PS. Marvin made me sign my picture!

To the Man with the Rip in his Pants:

So, in a last ditch effort to RRROLL UP THE RIM TO WIN, and to con myself into going to work early, I went to Tim Horton's for an "Extra Large Two Cream Please." There was a fairly long line but it only takes a few minutes when it's just coffee.

While waiting, I glanced at the man in front of me and saw he had this HUGE rip in the back of his dress pants! Quickly, while trying not to look, I debated whether or not to tell him, but I think the fact that his blue underwear was showing was definately the clincher.

I leaned into him and whispered, "Excuse me? Did you know you have a very large rip in your pants?"

To my astonishment, he chuckled, and said, "Yup."

"OH! Um... Sorry! I just figured if it was me I'd want to know."

And thus ended a very awkward and embarrassing conversation!

So, if the man with the rip in the back of his pants reads this, here is my advice to you: Do not enter food establishments with your underwear showing. 'Nuff said.

Standard of Perfection

I hear a lot of people claim to be perfectionists. "I like things just so," or, "I don't feel good about not doing a job 110%" But what is the standard for perfection?

Did you know the Bible has a definition of perfection? That's right. Are you ready for this? You might want to sit down. It has nothing to do with putting the finishing touches on that project. Or making sure you dust under the nick knacks on cleaning day.

And yet, we are commanded to be perfect: (Matthew 5:48)
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Question: How can I be perfect?

Answer: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)

Easter Celebrations Continue

Easter dinner at the Mission was so much fun to prepare. I had lots of help:

Mesfin put in the chickens and turkeys
Halima made the desserts & cole slaw
A donation of leftover peas and carrots arrived
Jack pushed all the tables together so we could eat family style
Drew cleaned up the mashed potatoes I dumped all over the floor
Mesfin made the rice and vegetables
Jack and Ken carved the fowl
Ken poured the ton of messy au jus into a pitcher
Marvin set the tables

And I put the food out. We divided things into four bowls so it woudn't have to be passed around the table of twenty plus people!

Bob Russell, our Monday night volunteer, showed up unexpectedly. You see, because of our Saturday dinner for 650 people, I give staff Easter Monday off. However, I forget that in the "real" world, it's not a holiday. So, when Bob showed up, it was like winning the lottery! I had worked every day this long weekend so going home 5 hours early was a much needed surprise!

Myrna, Katie and her son Caleb joined the women in the women's dining room for our family Easter meal. They are both women who have graduated from LifeChange. Myrna will be walking the stage at this year's banquet on May 10th.

When I look at that list of helpers, it's hard to believe I was in charge of Easter dinner. I joke with the staff that my job as Associate Director is mostly bossing people around. Apparently I'm pretty good at it, even when I'm doing the cook's job! Thanks to all that made happen!!

Letter from a LifeChange Graduate

Ken asked Vince to send us a testimony for an upcoming newsletter. I was pleasantly surprised at it's perfect "blog" size. Vince is a recent graduate from our LifeChange Program, has moved out and is attending college.

My name is Vincent G. Wolfe. I am writing this letter to acknowledge that Jesus is still alive and still doing the wonderful job of saving people. I am an aboriginal man who has seen a lot of dark days. I have been on a healing journey for the past few years. Until I found Jesus, August 8th, 2005, I was scared that I was not going to make it as an every day joe. With the help of the wonderful staff at the Regina Rescue Mission and Gods wonderful grace, I am happy to say that God is still performing the miracle of saving lost souls.

Today I am able to wake up and know that everything is going to be okay. Why I know this is because I know that Jesus Christ died on the cross for men like me. I would just like to say a big thank-you to Ken & Michelle Porter. Without your vision of the Mission and the "LifeChange Program" offered through the Mission, I honestly don't know where I would be.

In closing I would just like to say this: with Jesus Christ in my life and yours, anything and everything is possible.

Sincerely,
Vincent G.Wolfe

And now... the REST of the story

One thing that didn't get mentioned yesterday is HOW we managed to feed 650 men, women, and children a delicious Easter meal when we only planned for 300.

The menu was fantastic. It was soup to start, pineapple glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, Caesar salad, fresh bread, and rice pudding for dessert.

All home-made by Melrose Place North! They even brought the multi-cultural society of Regina to help serve!

Just before we were about to serve the first 180 people this delicious dinner at the Albert Scott Community Centre, Ken said, "We have enough people in line for another full seating..."

So, off I trotted to speak to Chris Lygouriatis, Chef & Restauranter, extraodinaire. "Exactly how many can you feed if we make the food stretch?" (Normally there is SO much people end up taking half their plate home!)

"How many are out there?" glancing out the window at the line up to the end of the block...

"Um, how about an extra hundred? Can you do that?"

As the line kept growing, they assured me there was enough for all. I reminded Chris of the story where Jesus fed 5000 on 12 baskets of loaves and fishes. Miraculously, the baskets never emptied until the multitudes were satisfied.

"So, what if there were another TWO more seatings?? Do you want me to send some people home?"

"No. Don't send anyone home. Let them come."

With some talk, a trip to get more soup and ham, and some yogurt cups and cake for dessert, we fed the multitudes lined up around the block: over 400 men and women, and over 200 children. That's more than twice the amount we planned for.

And now you know... the REST of the story. Happy Easter to all.

Record numbers attend Easter dinner for underprivileged.

Here's one of today's lead CTV stories from www.mysask.com.

650 people attended the Regina Rescue Mission annual Easter Dinner.

It's more than a mouth watering meal. The Annual Regina Rescue Mission Easter dinner is a chance for the less fortunate to celebrate the season and be with friends and family. And this year, there are more people than ever.

Reverend Ken Porter is with the Mission:

"Sometimes we plan for 600 and get less. Sometimes we plan for less and get more. It just varies on the weather and on people's incomes. If they've got income at that time."

It takes more than fifty volunteers to make the dinner happen. As soon as the first group is finished eating. Volunteers are quick to turn over, for the next one.

Aidan Katz is 11 years old. He says it feels good to help out.

"It helps Regina, because if we have less poor people life will be a lot better."

Some, like long-time volunteer, Jack Katzberg, say a helping hand like this may be all it takes to motivate people.

"If something doesn't move people out of their mode of living they remain in that mode of living."

And whether or not it changes anything for people in the long term, in the short term it's definitely made a difference.

Michelle Donda brought her young family.

"It was very nice actually today. They put on a very good meal and the kids all enjoyed it very much."

This is just the second holiday dinner the Rescue Mission has held in North Central Regina. After moving to the Albert Scott Community Centre at Christmas, attendance numbers were down. Now with over 180 people served in the first 11 minutes of Saturday's dinner, it's clear the need is here.

In the end , this year's dinner was the biggest the Mission has ever had since starting in 2000.

650 people sat down at the Albert Scott Community Centre, and to the delight of volunteers and recipients, there was enough food for all.

Life of the Party

The Fantastic Four

Well, we had a great time last night...

First we piled up into the party-mobile. The Shelter Boyz ended up going in their own car so there were a handful of us in the 15 passenger van. In the end, the vehicle was a little large for us but we did all get our own bench seat!

We pigged out at Classic Buffet. They wouldn't give us a free meal so we had to get 14 tickets stamped. If you need a ticket with a Classic Buffet stamp, let me know!

Lots of chit chat and laughter around the table.

Then we went to Paradise Miniature Golf & Entertainment Centre where Ken got the high score in Ms. Pacman, Rebecca & Vicki played this embarrassing dancing game, and we had a table hockey tournament between Russia and USA! The puck just POPS out of the middle of the table when it's time for a face off. Very funny!

Then the mini-golf... We had three teams:

1. Four 40-somethings. Pictured above. They decided to form their own clique. Incidentally, their combined scores made them the winning team! (Okay, so, not difficult when the rest of us have five members.)

2. The Hack Team. Not all related, but all connected to someone with the last name. Murray had the top score of 2 1/2 above par!! (Don't ask but it sounds fishy to me.)

2. The Seniors and Handicaps. Yeah. Anyone not in the above two teams. Including me. And we had the extrememly high scores of the night.

A big round of thanks to WARRM - the Women's Auxillery of Regina RESCUE Mission for treating us to our annual staff appreciation night and sending us to Paradise. Memories built to last and last.

Happy Staff Appreciation Day!

That's right, it's our Annual Staff Appreciation Day, hosted by WARRM, which is the Women's Auxillery of Regina RESCUE Mission.

The residents are all wearing stickers this morning that say, "Happy Staff Appreciation Day!" and tonight we are all being sent out for dinner and mini-golf! We're going to drive our new 15-passenger van and feel like we're all being let out of the santorium for the day.

If you have a favourite staff member, give them a call or email them today to tell them you appreciate them. I know I sure do. I have a group of staff of all ages and low wages that are committed to the Lord's mandate of Rescue.

Len & George - you're giving up one of your stats so the Shelter residents and guests can have Easter together. Thank you.

Grant - you're giving up one of your stats because there is no one to fill your night shift right now. Thank you.

Jon - this morning I heard that if you are young and enthusiastic your position should be changing every 6 to 12 months. You are tackling this new position like a trooper! Thank you.

Vicki - your willingness to spend a week looking after Soul's Harbour was such a blessing to me. Although I was a little nervous by Donovan's amazing feedback: "If I wasn't such good friends with Ken and Michelle I would hire you away!" Great job, Vicki! Thank you.

Melanie - How you can pull together a holiday dinner for 300 plus people in such a short time continues to stun me. Your committment to your position always shines. Thank you.

Rebecca - You are on your last month as our Rescue College Intern. I am so thankful I can work closely with you as you seek to raise 60 table sponsors for our Love Your Neighbour Banquet on May 10th! Your enthusiasm to reach your goal is contagous! Thank you.

Dr. Jack - Our mainstay, rock, and Resident Scholar. Thank you for your true service to the Lord on the Program Staff Team. Your new role as Phase 2 Coach suits you well as you have life experience, a solid walk with the Lord, and a patient love for the poor. Thank you.

Paula - I am blessed by your teachable spirit, always willing to learn and try new things. And then, willing to reverse the role and teach others, including me. Thank you.

Mesfin - Your quiet service, wisdom, and love for people continues to bless my heart each weekend. Your meals are delicious and nutritious. Thank you.

Larry - The leader who won't admit it. The men love and admire you as a friend and mentor, and I think that speaks for itself. Thank you. (Incidentally, it is MY goal this year to beat you in email chess for once.)

Ken - Well, since your my boss, I'll brown nose a bit here... =) You have had to make some of the most difficult decisions of your ministry this year. Your dedication to finding the Lord's building for the homeless has been an example of leadership and vision for all of us. We love you. And I love you.

Happy Staff Appreciation Day!

"Pressing on..."

The other day I was watching Star Trek Voyager, and Ensign Harry Kim was trapped in an alternate reality. It was probably due to some kind of rift in the space/time continuum, but I have no idea what that means. Anyway, although everyone around him, including his fiance, was unaware of it, and he was living out the life they expected him to live, he knew something was wrong and he was trapped in this dreamlike state.

When I slow down for the evening, I begin to feel like Harry. As though I am in a dream and I will wake up and things will be back to the way they were. And there will not be the hurt, the stress, and the lonliness that comes with losing one of your ship's senior officers.

I am so proud of my team over the past two weeks. They have done nothing but show love, and pray, and acknowledge the sovereignty of God in all things. We are rebuilding and, as one of our board members encouraged me this morning, "Pressing on."

Please pray for us during this difficult transition time.

Tamara for the Team

My friend Tamara from the Russ Reid Company passed these encouraging words on to us today:

"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though
on the outside it often looks like things are falling
apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new
life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace."

2 Corinthians 4:16 - The Message

Mourning Part 2

We are also saddened by the resignation of our friend Jarad Welle. He served faithfully, working himself up from the ranks from a volunteer, to an intern, to the Assistant Director. He was our longest term employee and my special friend.

When Ken announced his resignation yesterday, we had a full complement of staff present - all saddened by the already seemingly hollow hallways.

We cried and read together Ephesians 4: 1 6:

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

We talked about it being okay to be sad. After all, we've lost a vital member of the body... as though our right arm has been amputated. And as we work towards healing together, God will bind us in our calling and unity.

Mourning Part 1

The world of RESCUE lost two amazing soldiers this weekend.

We mourn the loss of Soul's Harbour's founding director, Gerri Carroll, who went home to Glory on Friday. She was an amazing woman of faith who worked hard serving the least, the last, and the lost.

Her theme verse and mandate was Matthew 25:35-36:

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you brought me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see me.”

We are pleased to be able to assist Soul's Harbour this week by looking after their Soup Kitchen for them. Click on the link above to be taken to her memorial page and funeral details. And keep them in your prayers.